National Dish Lebanon: Ruz ma’ Dajaj (Recipe)
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Meet Ruz ma’ Dajaj, the beloved chicken-and-rice dish that sits at the heart of the Lebanese table. Tender chicken is simmered with fragrant basmati rice and warm spices, then finished with a scattering of golden, toasted almonds. With its gentle notes of cinnamon and cardamom, it is the kind of generous, comforting fare that suits both a festive gathering and a relaxed family supper. Bring the warm aromas of the Levant straight into your own kitchen.
About Ruz ma’ Dajaj
Ruz ma’ Dajaj is a feast for the senses and a genuine classic of Lebanese cooking. It brings together tender chicken and aromatic rice, lifted by a careful blend of warm spices that make the dish feel truly special. The combination of fragrant spices and nutty notes gives it real depth, so it works equally well at a festive occasion or as a cosy family meal. This traditional recipe is more than a treat for the palate — it carries the flavours of the Levant into your home.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 1 whole chicken (about 1 kg), cut into pieces
- 200 g basmati rice
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp cardamom
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 50 g almonds, toasted
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups chicken stock
Shopping for the ingredients
To make an authentic Ruz ma’ Dajaj, it pays to choose good-quality ingredients. Visit your local market or a Middle Eastern grocery to find fresh chicken and proper basmati rice. The spices are essential to the flavour and should be as fresh as possible so their aromas come through at their best. Pay attention to the quality of the chicken stock as well, since it has a big influence on the final result.
Preparing the dish
Preparing Ruz ma’ Dajaj is straightforward but rewards a little planning. Begin by marinating the chicken, seasoning it well with salt, pepper and the spices. Leave it in the fridge for a few hours so the seasonings can soak in properly. In the meantime, rinse the basmati rice under cold water to wash away the excess starch, which gives you a lighter, fluffier texture once cooked.
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or pan and fry the diced onion until golden brown.
- Add the chicken and brown it on all sides until lightly coloured.
- Stir in the garlic and spices and mix well so the aromas are released.
- Add the rice and the chicken stock, bring everything to the boil, then reduce the heat.
- Cover the pot and let the dish simmer for about 20–25 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Serve garnished with the toasted almonds.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
This delicious version of Ruz ma’ Dajaj is naturally gluten-free and lactose-free. Simply use fresh spices and make sure your chicken stock is gluten-free too. That makes the dish an ideal choice for anyone with particular dietary needs, much like a naturally light salad such as Tabbouleh bi Burghul. Enjoy the flavours of the Middle East without worrying about the ingredients.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Vegans and vegetarians can enjoy the flavours of Ruz ma’ Dajaj too, simply by making a plant-based version. Swap the chicken for tofu or seitan, and use vegetable stock in place of the chicken stock. With the same marinade and the same spices you can mirror the flavour beautifully. Be sure to season the vegetables generously to keep the aromas lively and bright.
More tips and tricks
For the best results with Ruz ma’ Dajaj, a little patience goes a long way. Let the chicken rest before serving so the juices have time to settle. Browning the chicken first and then letting it simmer slowly with the spices builds the complex flavours that make the dish so satisfying. Adjust the quantity of spices to your own taste to add a personal touch.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The lovely thing about Ruz ma’ Dajaj is how easily it bends to personal preference. Add dried fruit such as raisins or apricots for a hint of sweetness, for example. Different nuts — pistachios or walnuts — can make the dish even more interesting. Let your imagination run free and shape the recipe so it suits your taste exactly, the way many cooks personalise Makloubeh, the famous Levantine layered rice dish.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have all the ingredients for Ruz ma’ Dajaj to hand, there are plenty of alternatives. Instead of basmati rice you can use jasmine rice or quinoa for a slightly different flavour. Likewise, fresh spices can be replaced with dried spice blends that still help preserve the authentic character of the dish. Take stock of what you already have in the cupboard and look for creative solutions.
Drink pairing ideas
To round off the experience of Ruz ma’ Dajaj, choose a drink that suits it. Mint tea is a traditional choice that harmonises wonderfully with the flavours of the dish. Alternatively, serve pomegranate juice, which is both fresh and refreshing. For an alcoholic pairing, a light white wine or an aromatic beer complements the flavours perfectly.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation can lift the enjoyment of Ruz ma’ Dajaj considerably. Serve the dish on a large, attractively dressed platter and garnish it with freshly chopped parsley or extra toasted nuts. Splashes of colour from dried fruit can add to the visual appeal too. Set out little bowls of extra spices so guests can season their plates exactly as they like.
A bit of history
Ruz ma’ Dajaj is not only a delicious dish but also an important part of Lebanese food culture. Traditionally it is often served at festive occasions, as it is seen as a sign of hospitality. Its aromas and spices reflect the rich history and variety of Lebanese cuisine. Over the years a number of regional versions have emerged, each bringing its own character and flavour to the table — among them close relatives such as Riz ala’ Dajaj and the layered comfort dish Fattet Jaj.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Ruz ma’ Dajaj
In short, Ruz ma’ Dajaj is a delicious and versatile dish that holds a special place in Lebanese cuisine. The combination of juicy chicken, aromatic rice and a generous mix of spices delivers an incomparable taste experience. Whether for a festive meal or a relaxed dinner at home, this dish is sure to delight your guests. Let the variety and the flavours of the Levant inspire you, and enjoy making this traditional recipe!
